Andrew Mowrey

Andrew Mowrey calls the first time he piloted a plane solo a life-changing experience. Andrew is a graduate of Gateway’s Aeronautics-Pilot Training associate degree program. Now he is a private pilot instructor as well as an adjunct flying instructor at Gateway. This is a typical pathway for flight graduates. “Getting certifications and qualifications is all about hours. One of the best ways to get hours and make some money early on in one’s aviation career is through teaching.”

Andrew points out that Gateway’s program does the best job of any schools in providing students with multiengine hours—not just single engine. “They have a great combination of classroom, online, ground school, simulator, and flight education. You leave with a number of certifications and can get hired as a flight instructor and charter pilot immediately and can continue to build hours and experience to move up. Many in the program want to fly for the airlines—which takes time to build up the necessary hours even after graduation. But many also want to work in charter and freight operations or just want their private pilot’s license.”

“One of the capstones of the program is doing the flight plan and then flying your flight plan on a cross-country flight. We follow all FAA regulations, plan for wind corrections, deal with weather, and have to plan for aircraft performance (gas, time) and make corrections en route.”

“I feel we are very well prepared compared to graduates of other flight programs. We learn a lot about our responsibilities as a pilot. Safety is number one. It is a well-structured program. And it is easily the best bang for the buck when compared to other pilot training programs around the country.”